Round 9 Preview

Saint Kilda v Sydney n This shapes up as the game of the round the resurgent wans against the Saints who have taken giant leaps in the past couple games and have asserted themselves as a real smokey for the flag. Sydney have managed to recapture their form behind the brilliance of some of their leaders in Kennedy, Parker and Franklin. The Saints have been relentless in pressure the in their wins they trap the ball in there forward half and don’t let it out. Goal kicking seems to be their only flaw right now equal with the Bulldogs as the worst in the AFL in accuracy and behinds scored. The Swans have only managed to win one last quarter and this has been a big problem for them closing out games when they have been close to victory but can’t finish a side off. The Saints on the other hand just don’t stop much like the Bulldogs they keep running and attacking until the final siren.
Predict Saint Kilda win 19 points

GWS v Richmond

If the Saints and Swans is the game of the round this game is not far behind, the Giants managed to steal 2 victories in the past 3 weeks and had been exposed by the hard running Saints. The Tigers after starting the season 5-0 have dropped their last 3 games granted the last 2 weeks against Freo and Bulldogs by under a goal. The Giants are the walking wounded at the moment but still have class on every line, Kelly, Shiel and Cameron have been huge for the Giants and will well come the return on superstar Toby Greene. For the Tigers this game becomes vitally important lose this and they lose touch with the top 4 and find themselves in the clog mid table. Tigers fans will be hoping for big games from their stars and will need Rance and the tight tiger defence to hold the powerful Giants if they want to stand a chance.
Predict Giants win 9 points

Brisbane v Adelaide

Top vs bottom in what would normally be a pretty one sided affair, the Lions have been getting beaten badly but not playing badly, the Crows have lost their last 2 games and look like a shadow of the first 6 weeks of the season. Don’t read too much into the Crows omitting a couple players if they want to get players into form then the Lions game would be a great opportunity to get form back. The Lions get Beams back but have lost Rockliff, the gap will just be too big to claw back this could get very ugly for the Lions. A Crows team hellbent on getting back into the winners circle is a very daunting task. It doesn’t matter anyway you look at this game even with the Crows poor form they win this it’s just a matter of how far.
Predict Adelaide win 90 points

Collingwood v Hawthorn

Do or Die for both these sides, win and keep a small chance of finals alive lose and plan for next year and in Collingwood’s sake look for a new coach. The Hawks have had the wood on the Pies for years but come up against them at a very vulnerable time 4 changes forced on them by injury after winning their last 2 games. The Magpies did everything but win last start against the Giants and will rue their missed opportunity last week. Both sides have struggled in front of goal for accuracy and this game could be decided simply by who kicks straighter. If Collingwood are to have any chance to win this they need to bring their A game a mediocre performance won’t be enough. Can the Hawks lift for a fourth win in five games and cover the injuries and continue their dominance over the Magpies.
Predict Collingwood win 9 points